Shropshire Star

Shropshire ex-Spitfire pilot joins celebration to mark iconic flighter plane's launch

It's been 80 years since the first Spitfire took to the skies. And to mark the anniversary on Saturday former pilot Allan Scott made the trip to Biggin Hill, the country's most famous airfield, to talk about his exploits during the Siege of Malta.

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The former Spitfire pilot, who lives in Wem, was just one of dozens who spent time on the Mediterranean island defending it from the ferocious attacks of the Germans.

The 95-year-old now spends his free time talking about his experiences at RAF Biggin Hill.

Mr Scott had been posted to the Battle of Britain airfield during 1941 with 124 Squadron.

He returned to the RAF base after his six-month tour of duty in Malta and flew a third tour of operations, switching from his beloved Spitfire to a long-range Mustang fighter.

After the finish of this tour he became a test pilot, which brought him to 27 Maintenance Unit, RAF Shawbury, where he met wife Pat.

Talking about his visit to Biggin Hill, Mr Scott said: "The celebrations all went very well.

"I was signing books for people. I signed about 50 and spoke to people about my experiences.

"It was a long journey down and very tiring – but it was worth it.

"It was a great day with good company and it is nice to get out and stay occupied.

"I really don't mind talking about what I got up to in World War Two. I speak to clubs, schools and societies and I tell them how it was.

"I was only 18 when I flew in the Battle of Britain and then was 21 when I was stationed on Malta.

"The two could not have been more different. In the Battle of Britain, the Germans were taking on the whole of the country whereas in Malta, the island was only as big as the Isle of Wight.

"We were being scrambled at least four times a day. Bear in mind we were all starving too. But we got on with it."

Saturday marked 80 years to the day since the prototype Supermarine Spitfire made its maiden flight.

To mark the milestone the RAF Museum at Cosford also held a day of talks celebrating on the aircraft's link to the area.

A number of Spitfires were built at Cosford during the Second World War when an assembly plant was established at the RAF base, as a satellite to the Castle Bromwich works.

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